Bishop announces Waterford primary school to close due to falling numbers
Knockmahon NS in Bunmahon, Co. Waterford, will close at the end of the current school year.
Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan has announced the closure of Knockmahon NS in Waterford, which serves the Copper Coast seaside village of Bunmahon.
In a letter to parents, guardians, staff and members of the national school community, the Bishop said enrolment had declined significantly.
"Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Members of the Knockmahon National School Community, as Patron of Knockmahon National School, I am writing to inform you of a very difficult decision regarding the future of the school," Bishop Cullinan said.
He said that that over a sustained period of time, enrolment in the primary school had declined.
This is despite the school engaging in a sustained campaign seeking enrolments across the past school year.
"Despite the commitment and hard work of the Board of Management, the school leadership, and staff to maintain a vibrant learning environment, the number of pupils attending the school has now fallen to a level where it is no longer viable to continue operating the school in a sustainable way," the Bishop said.
"Following careful consideration, consultation with the Board of Management, and engagement with the Department of Education, it has been decided that Knockmahon National School will close at the end of the current school academic year, Friday, June 19.
"This decision has not been taken lightly. We are fully aware of the central role the school has played in the life of this community over many years."
The current school building opened in 1956, with an extension added in 2006. The school has served countless families in the Bunmahon area.
"Generations of families have passed through its doors, and the dedication of the teachers, staff, parents, and volunteers has created a school community of which you can be very proud," the Bishop said.
"I want to sincerely thank the Board of Management, the principal, teachers, and all members of staff - past and present - for their commitment to the children of this community.
"I also wish to acknowledge the support of parents and the wider community, whose involvement has contributed so much to the life of the school.
While the closure of a school is always a deeply regrettable step, we are committed to supporting pupils, families, and staff through this transition with care and respect."
Knockmahon NS was originally situated beside the Church of Ireland, which is now the UNESCO Copper Coast Geo Park Centre.
Works began on the present building in 1956 and the doors were opened in September 1959.
From Christmas to June 1959 the children were taught in Saleen Church. The first principal in the new school was Ted Buckley, who was also the principal in the old school.
In 1959, the children were delighted with their new school and extensive playgrounds. They had water from taps indoors and electricity for the first time - a big change from their old school.
The present school includes an extension, which was completed in 2006.
It was a two-teacher school with a number of special needs assistants and resource teachers, led by Principal, Bernadette Murphy, who was appointed some years ago.
In November, a public meeting, titled 'Keep our school', organised by Comeragh District Councillor Catherine Burke, was held in a bid to keep the school open.
